My guests adore going to restaurants and often ask me for recommendations, so I’ve created this list of 20 good and tried-and-tested restaurants and wine bars that I’ve frequented with my family, friends, and guests.

Most of them are restaurants with traditional local cuisine. The French themselves are fond of both Italian and Asian cuisines – so there’s more than enough of that in Bordeaux, but I’m specifically talking about the typical cuisine of Aquitaine. I have no affiliations with these restaurants, I’m sharing these addresses of my own opinion.

For convenience, I’m only giving places that are located in the center of Bordeaux, within walking distance, and while they are not exclusively touristic and expensive, they are rather traditional, where local residents go.

1. Parlement des Graves. I love this inexpensive restaurant, well situated right in the center. Here’s all the classic Bordeaux cuisine. Go to web site (fr).

2. L’Embarcadère. Classic French brasserie. The main specialty is seafood. But there’s also plenty else for those who don’t like sea creatures. Go to web site.

3. 1925. Quality, tasty, and located right near the Girondists monument. Go to web site.

4. Le Clemenceau. Opened recently, they are really trying and it shows. Good cuisine, and the restaurant’s location is also very convenient. Go to web site.

5. Le bistrot de Tutelles. This is my discovery, and I am thrilled with the individual approach of the owner, who is always present in the dining room. He approached his business with a lot of heart, and it shows. Go to web site (fr).

6. La Cheminée Royale. A simple budget restaurant. But sometimes you just want it to be inexpensive and tasty. And this is just the place – all pleasures for 20 euros. True, it’s always crowded. And yes, it’s probably a tourist restaurant. But I go there sometimes with my family. Go to web site (fr).

7. Le Gabriel. My love. The portions, of course, are not very large, but it’s so beautiful inside! In general, it’s perfect for aesthetes! The owner of the restaurant is Hubert de Boüard himself, owner of Château Angélus, hence Angélus on the wine list, but of course other wines too. Go to web site.

8. Tutiac. A wine bar where many wines of the region are featured, and also serves cool plates with appetizers and hot dishes. Go to web site.

9. L’autre petit bois. Here you can grab a glass of wine with a salad, appetizer, bruschettas, in general, when you don’t want to wait long or are in a hurry, or just not very hungry. Go to web site.

10. La Tupina. Classic Bordeaux. Large portions, generous southwestern French cuisine, with an abundance of meat dishes and good presentation. Go to web site (fr).

11. Le M de Monbadon. Very good! Modern French cuisine with its aesthetics, balance of flavors, and in the most refined area of Bordeaux. Go to web site (fr).

12. Le K’Baroque. Very interesting restaurant concept, where the lights are turned off, music plays, and stars shine. The menu is also pleasing – a vampires’ ball with meat dishes, a mermaids’ ball with fish dishes. In general, full of creativity! And excellent service. Go to web site (fr).

13. Baud et Millet – сырный ресторан. Simply a fabulous selection of cheeses in one place. Go to web site (fr).

14. Le 7. The Wine Museum offers to taste French cuisine on the 7th floor of its building, which offers a stunning view of the waterfront. Go to web site.

15. Chapon Fin. Another love of mine. The price tag is certainly above average, but the rococo style, amazing tableware, service, and wine selection are all beyond praise. Go to web site.

16. L’Ampélo. Opened only in 2023, this bar immediately won my heart. Perfect location, very respectable wine selection, plenty of space, beautiful modern design. Go to web site (fr).

17. Le Bouchon bordelais. Just a wonderful traditional restaurant with French cuisine. Go to web site.

18. Blind Bordeaux. It’s unexpected, but Blind restaurant offers Peruvian cuisine. And why do I recommend it in Bordeaux, you ask? Because here there’s a huge selection of wines, and you can even taste them blind, and the wine selection is fabulous. Go to web site.

19. Moelleuse et persillé. Meat, meat, meat. Really good meat, and nothing else. If you’re a connoisseur – you definitely need to come here! Go to web site (fr).

20. Quatre coins du vin. My haven. My favorite wine bar, which I’ve been going to for a long time with friends, and it only gets better over the years. A traditional bar right in the center of the Saint Pierre district. Go to web site (fr).